A unique therapeutic approach to emesis and itch with a proanthocyanidin-rich genonutrient.

Miller MJ, Reuter BK, Wallace JL, Sharkey KA - J Transl Med (2008)

Bottom Line:
These benefits were not associated with sedation or hypothermia and were not reversed by cannabinoid receptor antagonism.Zangrado did not exacerbate the ApcMincondition rather health was improved.Zangrado is an effective anti-emetic and anti-itch therapy that is devoid of common side-effects, cannabinoid-independent and broadly suppresses sensory afferent nerve activation.

Background: We examined the therapeutic potential of a proprietary Croton palanostigma extract (Zangrado(R)) in the management of emesis and itch.

Methods: Emesis was induced in ferrets with morphine-6-glucuronide (0.05 mg/kg sc) in the presence of Zangrado (3 mg/kg, ip) and the cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonist, AM 251 (5 mg/kg, ip). Topical Zangrado (1%) was assessed for anti-pruretic actions in the 5-HT-induced scratching model in rats and evaluated in capsaicin-induced gastric hyperemia as measured by laser doppler flow. In the ApcMinmouse model of precancerous adenomatosis polyposis, mice received Zangrado (100 mug/ml in drinking water) from the age of 6 - 16 weeks for effects on polyp number. In RAW 264.7 cells Zangrado was examined for effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitrite production.

Results: Zangrado was a highly effective anti-emetic, reducing morphine-induced vomiting and retching by 77%. These benefits were not associated with sedation or hypothermia and were not reversed by cannabinoid receptor antagonism. Itch responses were blocked in both the morphine and 5-HT models. Zangrado did not exacerbate the ApcMincondition rather health was improved. Capsaicin-induced hyperemia was blocked by Zangrado, which also attenuated the production of nitric oxide by activated macrophages.

Conclusion: Zangrado is an effective anti-emetic and anti-itch therapy that is devoid of common side-effects, cannabinoid-independent and broadly suppresses sensory afferent nerve activation. This complementary medicine represents a promising new approach to the management of nausea, itch and irritable bowel syndrome.

Mentions:
Topical administration of Zangrado (1%) was effective in suppressing the number of scratching episodes induced by 5-HT (Figure 5). There was a significantly greater reduction in the scratching response when Zangrado was administered 30 minutes prior to 5-HT administration versus immediately after 5-HT (p < 0.05), but both were effective anti-pruretic regimens (p < 0.05) compared to vehicle. When evaluated against a commercially available hemorrhoid crème (Preparation H) as an anti-pruretic therapy, both agents significantly reduced the total number of scratching episodes (Figure 6) with the Zangrado being slightly more effective although this difference was not statistically significant.

Mentions:
Topical administration of Zangrado (1%) was effective in suppressing the number of scratching episodes induced by 5-HT (Figure 5). There was a significantly greater reduction in the scratching response when Zangrado was administered 30 minutes prior to 5-HT administration versus immediately after 5-HT (p < 0.05), but both were effective anti-pruretic regimens (p < 0.05) compared to vehicle. When evaluated against a commercially available hemorrhoid crème (Preparation H) as an anti-pruretic therapy, both agents significantly reduced the total number of scratching episodes (Figure 6) with the Zangrado being slightly more effective although this difference was not statistically significant.

Bottom Line:
These benefits were not associated with sedation or hypothermia and were not reversed by cannabinoid receptor antagonism.Zangrado did not exacerbate the ApcMincondition rather health was improved.Zangrado is an effective anti-emetic and anti-itch therapy that is devoid of common side-effects, cannabinoid-independent and broadly suppresses sensory afferent nerve activation.

Background: We examined the therapeutic potential of a proprietary Croton palanostigma extract (Zangrado(R)) in the management of emesis and itch.

Methods: Emesis was induced in ferrets with morphine-6-glucuronide (0.05 mg/kg sc) in the presence of Zangrado (3 mg/kg, ip) and the cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonist, AM 251 (5 mg/kg, ip). Topical Zangrado (1%) was assessed for anti-pruretic actions in the 5-HT-induced scratching model in rats and evaluated in capsaicin-induced gastric hyperemia as measured by laser doppler flow. In the ApcMinmouse model of precancerous adenomatosis polyposis, mice received Zangrado (100 mug/ml in drinking water) from the age of 6 - 16 weeks for effects on polyp number. In RAW 264.7 cells Zangrado was examined for effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitrite production.

Results: Zangrado was a highly effective anti-emetic, reducing morphine-induced vomiting and retching by 77%. These benefits were not associated with sedation or hypothermia and were not reversed by cannabinoid receptor antagonism. Itch responses were blocked in both the morphine and 5-HT models. Zangrado did not exacerbate the ApcMincondition rather health was improved. Capsaicin-induced hyperemia was blocked by Zangrado, which also attenuated the production of nitric oxide by activated macrophages.

Conclusion: Zangrado is an effective anti-emetic and anti-itch therapy that is devoid of common side-effects, cannabinoid-independent and broadly suppresses sensory afferent nerve activation. This complementary medicine represents a promising new approach to the management of nausea, itch and irritable bowel syndrome.